Folks dwelling with diabetes in rural and distant areas are being urged to get their flu shot now after low charges of flu vaccinations have put communities in danger throughout Australia this 12 months.
Information has proven that nearly 1.8 million much less individuals throughout the nation have had their flu jab this 12 months in comparison with the 11 million individuals recorded in 2022.
Extra Queenslanders have been notified they’ve the flu this 12 months than different Australians with 1,262 notifications per 100,000 individuals. Folks dwelling in New South Wales recorded the subsequent highest charges with 1,086 per 100,000.
“There are nonetheless flu vaccines obtainable,” Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain stated. “Australians dwelling with diabetes who haven’t had their flu pictures this 12 months and people dwelling in rural and distant areas, which historically have decrease flu vaccination charges, can fight the lingering flu season and keep away from getting the virus this spring and summer season with this easy precaution.
“It’s not too late to vaccinate, and the flu vaccine is free for individuals dwelling with diabetes.”
Ms Cain stated individuals with diabetes are thrice extra more likely to be hospitalised with influenza.
“Because of this we’re strongly encouraging individuals with diabetes to get the flu vaccine,” she stated.
“Along with severe sickness and hospitalisation, the flu could make it a lot more durable to handle diabetes.
“It may be tougher to detect adjustments in blood glucose ranges and in addition to eat, drink and take medicine you probably have the flu.”
The influenza vaccine is free below the Nationwide Immunisation Program for:
- Folks aged six months or over who’ve medical situation, together with diabetes.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals aged six months and over
- Kids aged six months to below 5 years
- Pregnant girls at any stage of being pregnant
- Folks aged 65 years or over.
